From the Manila Times (Sep 2, 2023): Former rebel shines as distinguished soldier (By Franco Jose C. Baroña)
ONE of the awardees in the inaugural staging of The Manila Times' "Tribute to Soldiers" was a former rebel who abandoned the communist cause to become decorated enlisted personnel and an esteemed member of his community.After turning his back on radical ideologies, Sgt. William Tello Jr., who was also once a member of the Citizen Armed Force Geographical Unit (Cafgu), has since led successful combat and intelligence missions against communist insurgents under the Philippine Army's 4th Infantry Division's (4ID) 36th Infantry Battalion (36IB) in Surigao del Sur.
A SOLDIER’S STORY Sgt. William Tello Jr. (center) of the Philippine Army’s 4th Infantry Division’s 36th Infantry Battalion was a former rebel-turned-soldier who won the Distinguished Achievement Award in the Contribution to the Combat Zone category in the recently concluded ‘Tribute to Soldiers’ awarding ceremony at The Manila Hotel on Monday, Aug. 28, 2023. With him were Brig. Gen. Arvin Lagamon (second from left), commander of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Civil Relations Service, The Manila Times Chairman Emeritus Dr. Dante A. Ang Sr. and The Manila Times Chairman and CEO Dante ‘Klink’ Ang 2nd. PHOTO BY MIKE ALQUINTO
Tello, who enlisted in the Army in July 2013, was given recognition, along with nine other enlisted personnel from another military service, at the "Tribute to Soldiers" ceremony held at the Manila Hotel last August 28, which coincided with the commemoration of National Heroes Day.
He received the award from Vice President Sara Duterte, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief of Staff Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. and The Manila Times Chairman Emeritus Dr. Dante A. Ang Sr.
Another member of the Philippine Army, Staff Sergeant (SSg.) Roseller Gozo of the 8th Infantry Battalion in Bukidnon, also won the Distinguished Achievement Award in Innovation in Administrative and Logistics Functions category.
4ID Commander Maj. Gen. Jose Maria Cuerpo 2nd said the award is a testament to Tello's exemplary bravery, devotion and commitment to duty.
"His accomplishment not only boosts morale within his unit but also serves as a testament to the commitment and sacrifices made by all soldiers who selflessly serve their country by ensuring its safety and security," Cuerpo said.
Tello also demonstrated outstanding achievement for community service as anchor/broadcaster of the unit's radio program and speaker during information awareness campaigns aimed at dissuading the youth from joining the insurgents.
He was also recognized as the "Best CAA" during the 2013 Philippine Army Day and the 4ID's Enlisted Personnel of the Year 2022 during the Division's 53rd Founding Anniversary held on February 3.
Tello was also named the Best Enlisted Personnel of the Year during the Army's 126th anniversary celebration last March, where President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. presented him with the Command Plaque.
Gozo, as section chief of the Communication Section in Signal Platoon, Platoon Headquarters of 8IB, exhibited meritorious performance of duty during the previous year.
Maj. Francisco Garello Jr., chief of the 4ID Public Affairs Office, said Gozo ensured that all communications and essential equipment of his unit were serviceable and mission-capable.
He also received numerous awards and letters of commendation from brigade and battalion commanders last year for his "invaluable performance and devotion to duty that significantly contributed to the overall accomplishments of the unit mission."
As an acknowledgment of 4ID's winning the prestigious awards, out of many nominees among the units of the armed forces, Cuerpo awarded a Plaque of Recognition to Gozo and Tello.
The 4ID commander also praised The Manila Times for its initiative to give "fitting and significant recognition that honors soldiers who demonstrated outstanding achievements."
"The trust and support of the civilian stakeholders whom we oath to protect and secure is what motivates us to do more above and beyond our duties and responsibilities," Cuerpo said.
"Recognizing our soldiers will surely boost our confidence and morale. This will further inspire every soldier to strive for the best in their own respective and unique way. Rest assured that your soldiers, particularly in 4ID, will strive even more for excellence to perform our mandate in the service of the Filipino people," he said.
The "Tribute to Soldiers" was spearheaded by The Manila Times and The Manila Times TV in collaboration with the AFP to raise public awareness of the extraordinary and everyday heroism as well as the sacrifices of Filipino soldiers.
Aside from 4ID, other AFP units fielded nominees for three categories and two special awards: combat, administrative and logistics, and community service, while special awards are for education and for best unit.
The distinguished achievement awardees for their Contribution to the Combat Zone were Tello and S2IT Jaime Caguioa both of the Philippine Army, and SSg. Darryl B. Gacad of the Philippine Air Force. Aside from Gozo, recognized for Innovations in Administrative and Logistic Functions were DP2 Dizon Vallesteros of the Philippine Navy and TSgt. Bernard Magpantay of the Philippine Air Force.
Receiving recognition for their Outstanding Community Service were Army SSg. Ephraim Mission Jr., SSg. Michael Rayanon of the Philippine Navy Marines, and Air Force TSgt. Liezel Eranista.
Given recognition for her Outstanding Achievement in Education was YN2 Lilane Muring of the Philippine Navy.
The Best Unit award went to the Air Force's Tactical Operations Wing West.
Tello, who enlisted in the Army in July 2013, was given recognition, along with nine other enlisted personnel from another military service, at the "Tribute to Soldiers" ceremony held at the Manila Hotel last August 28, which coincided with the commemoration of National Heroes Day.
He received the award from Vice President Sara Duterte, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief of Staff Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. and The Manila Times Chairman Emeritus Dr. Dante A. Ang Sr.
Another member of the Philippine Army, Staff Sergeant (SSg.) Roseller Gozo of the 8th Infantry Battalion in Bukidnon, also won the Distinguished Achievement Award in Innovation in Administrative and Logistics Functions category.
4ID Commander Maj. Gen. Jose Maria Cuerpo 2nd said the award is a testament to Tello's exemplary bravery, devotion and commitment to duty.
"His accomplishment not only boosts morale within his unit but also serves as a testament to the commitment and sacrifices made by all soldiers who selflessly serve their country by ensuring its safety and security," Cuerpo said.
Tello also demonstrated outstanding achievement for community service as anchor/broadcaster of the unit's radio program and speaker during information awareness campaigns aimed at dissuading the youth from joining the insurgents.
He was also recognized as the "Best CAA" during the 2013 Philippine Army Day and the 4ID's Enlisted Personnel of the Year 2022 during the Division's 53rd Founding Anniversary held on February 3.
Tello was also named the Best Enlisted Personnel of the Year during the Army's 126th anniversary celebration last March, where President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. presented him with the Command Plaque.
Gozo, as section chief of the Communication Section in Signal Platoon, Platoon Headquarters of 8IB, exhibited meritorious performance of duty during the previous year.
Maj. Francisco Garello Jr., chief of the 4ID Public Affairs Office, said Gozo ensured that all communications and essential equipment of his unit were serviceable and mission-capable.
He also received numerous awards and letters of commendation from brigade and battalion commanders last year for his "invaluable performance and devotion to duty that significantly contributed to the overall accomplishments of the unit mission."
As an acknowledgment of 4ID's winning the prestigious awards, out of many nominees among the units of the armed forces, Cuerpo awarded a Plaque of Recognition to Gozo and Tello.
The 4ID commander also praised The Manila Times for its initiative to give "fitting and significant recognition that honors soldiers who demonstrated outstanding achievements."
"The trust and support of the civilian stakeholders whom we oath to protect and secure is what motivates us to do more above and beyond our duties and responsibilities," Cuerpo said.
"Recognizing our soldiers will surely boost our confidence and morale. This will further inspire every soldier to strive for the best in their own respective and unique way. Rest assured that your soldiers, particularly in 4ID, will strive even more for excellence to perform our mandate in the service of the Filipino people," he said.
The "Tribute to Soldiers" was spearheaded by The Manila Times and The Manila Times TV in collaboration with the AFP to raise public awareness of the extraordinary and everyday heroism as well as the sacrifices of Filipino soldiers.
Aside from 4ID, other AFP units fielded nominees for three categories and two special awards: combat, administrative and logistics, and community service, while special awards are for education and for best unit.
The distinguished achievement awardees for their Contribution to the Combat Zone were Tello and S2IT Jaime Caguioa both of the Philippine Army, and SSg. Darryl B. Gacad of the Philippine Air Force. Aside from Gozo, recognized for Innovations in Administrative and Logistic Functions were DP2 Dizon Vallesteros of the Philippine Navy and TSgt. Bernard Magpantay of the Philippine Air Force.
Receiving recognition for their Outstanding Community Service were Army SSg. Ephraim Mission Jr., SSg. Michael Rayanon of the Philippine Navy Marines, and Air Force TSgt. Liezel Eranista.
Given recognition for her Outstanding Achievement in Education was YN2 Lilane Muring of the Philippine Navy.
The Best Unit award went to the Air Force's Tactical Operations Wing West.
https://www.manilatimes.net/2023/09/02/news/national/former-rebel-shines-as-distinguished-soldier/1908170?fbclid=IwAR37gg0AN_2cS5r6BOc8xDA2ZZMrTa56BmcnVSN4JYhR4tT_5GUbOHHoSpc
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